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Carer's Allowance: Epilepsy

Department for Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 5 November 2025.

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Photo of Suella Braverman Suella Braverman Conservative, Fareham and Waterlooville

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if his Department will review eligibility criteria for Carer’s Allowance in cases where unpaid carers support individuals with severe epilepsy.

Photo of Stephen Timms Stephen Timms The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions

The government keeps eligibility criteria under review to ensure they are meeting the needs of carers. Entitlement to Carer's Allowance depends on certain conditions relating to the circumstances of both the disabled person and the carer being satisfied. A carer must care for a severely disabled person for a minimum of 35 hours per week. The disabled person (including those with severe epilepsy) must be in receipt of a gateway benefit:

  • Attendance Allowance.
  • The middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance.
  • The middle or highest rate care component of Child Disability Payment.
  • The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment.
  • The daily living component of Adult Disability Payment.
  • The equivalent rate of a Constant Attendance Allowance.
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment.
  • Pension Age Disability Payment.
  • Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

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  • (Citation: HC Deb, 5 November 2025, cW)

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

Disability Living Allowance

Allowance for those who need help looking after themselves. Not means tested.

Factsheet from RNID here: http://www.rnid.org.uk/html/factsheets/benefits_disability_allowance_and_deaf_people.htm

Official page from Department for Work and Pensions here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/disability_liv_allowance.asp